Autumn in Asheville

Asheville, North Carolina – a city in the Blue Ridge Mountains! It’s known for its vibrant art scene and historic architecture.

The vast 19th Century Biltmore Estate, America’s largest home, has tours available for those curious to see the 8,000 acre property and it’s Chateau-style mansion.

Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina

The Basilica of St. Lawrence is also an amazing landmark, and the detail of the architecture is amazing to behold. Not to be missed!

Basilica of Saint Lawrence

The downtown Arts District and the River Arts District are bustling with activity. Many former factory buildings now house incredible art studios, and sophisticated restaurants. There are local breweries, and an upbeat art and music scene in the area.

Enjoy brews, food and art in the River Arts District, Asheville, North Carolina

If you’re looking to get out of the city for a day, there are many opportunities for hiking, river rafting and zip-lining in the local area.

Zip-lining in North Carolina

This is the time of year that there is a big Apple Festival! You can try over 40 varieties of apples! It sounds delicious…

Take a bite out of the Apple Festival!

A real treat is to check out the Pinball Museum! Adults and children alike just marvel at all the different games. It just sounds like a blast!

A fun outing for all ages.

Don’t forget to check out the bluegrass and dancing at the Feed and Seed Music Hall.

Lively music for a fun night out

All in all, this area of North Carolina, with its landscape of rich history and fun activities sounds like a place that you won’t want to miss.

The Asheville Collection from BLT – call (917) 209 – 0516 to see the latest wardrobe pieces.

Just remember, whether you’re strolling around town in Asheville in your cashmere sweater and jeans, or strolling in West Palm Beach in your linens and khaki slacks, it’s all about style.

Always remember my Three Golden Rules to Dress By:

1. Build Your Wardrobe with classic pieces.
2. Liven Your Wardrobe with fun novelty items.
3. Tweak Your Wardrobe with touches of color.

Feel good, and look even better!

-Bonnie

Seaport for all Seasons

Newburyport Massachusetts, only 35 minutes from Boston! It is a seaport for all seasons, and a thriving community with unique shopping, fine dining, arts and culture.

It’s the birthplace of the United States Coast Guard! In the spring and summer, you can stroll through downtown while you admire the window boxes and hanging flowers and plants. Don’t forget to check out all the adorable shops.

Enjoy flowers, specialty shops and fun festivals

It’s Nantucket life, but easier to get to, without having to deal with the ferries that take you 30 miles across the sea. The Clipper City Rail Trail & Harborwalk  is only 1.1 miles, and it’s extremely scenic. You can do birding field trips to Plum Island, or even whale watching – it all sounds amazing, for people of all ages!

You can walk or bike this fabulous trail

You don’t want to miss the Custom House Maritime Museum. And in the fall, you can go to the Fall Harvest Fest. During autumn days, don’t be surprised if you see that all the town lampposts have been creatively decorated. In the winter, it’s fun to cross-country ski and snowshoe!

Dining and drinking for a good cause at Harvest Fest

Coming up in October for ten days, it’s Savor Newburyport. There’s a chili cookoff, a craft beer event, and the 2nd annual cocktail and appetizer competition. All of this does sound so delicious, and the best part is, proceeds benefit local charities!

A delicious festival for the whole family

So whether you’re wearing those toasty cashmere sweaters in the brisk sea air of Newburyport Massachusetts, or the lightweight cottons on the South Florida Coast, remember, it’s all about style.

Shop the Newburyport collection from Bonnie Roseman’s BLT – comfort and elegance.

Always remember my Three Golden Rules to Dress By:

1. Build Your Wardrobe with classic pieces.
2. Liven Your Wardrobe with fun novelty items.
3. Tweak Your Wardrobe with touches of color.

Feel good, and look even better!

-Bonnie

Maryland’s Capital, Right Off the Chesapeake – Annapolis

Annapolis: The capital of Maryland, and 350 years old. It’s a vibrant and charming colonial town, and it’s the home of the U.S. Naval Academy. It’s also known for its sailing and boating activities, since it’s right off the Chesapeake Bay.

Downtown, Maryland Avenue in particular is so delightful! You can bike, or walk around this historic district. When I was there, I couldn’t stop going in to the small cafes and trying all the fresh crab cakes. They are the best!

Blue Crab Cakes, Annapolis, Maryland

There are a lot of fun things to do: The Maritime Museum of Annapolis is a must-see for the whole family. Tour Thomas Point, and see the artistic and virtual exhibits and the “oyster eye view” of sealife.

Heading off to the museum

You can also go down to the Ram’s Head to see a great live performance. It’s an iconic pub that features the most amazing live music, great food and drinks.

Have a drink, grab a bite, see a show.

Another fun activity is going to the Maryland Statehouse. It’s a historic landmark building where you can get tours – check their site here for additional information.

Get a tour of this beautiful historical and government site.

Also, you can go down and check out the cruise from Annapolis to the Bay of St. Michaels. It’s a wonderful way to see the area from the water, enjoy the beautiful views, and this boat tour is running through September 12th.

Bay of St. Michael’s

You don’t want to miss Ego Alley, a very charming area down by the docks. Be sure to stop by the Pennsylvania Dutch Farmer’s Market. Delicious!

I recommend the churned butter!

Another interesting place to go with the kids would be the William Paca Gardens. It’s truly an exquisite estate, where you’ll enjoy the fragrance of the gardens while you walk through the grounds. It is open to the public – see their tour schedule here.

A beautiful day out for the whole family

Make sure you take advantage of all the seaside activities, including strolling through the shipyards. This ship was a reproduction of Lafayette’s, who aided the U.S. during the Revolutionary War. Quite often ships dock and allow tours!

Tour historical reproductions of historic ships

Pack some comfortable shoes and walk around the docks to view colorful houses, historic buildings and all the colorful ships! Annapolis is truly a beautiful place filled with endless places to discover.

Walking along the bay in Annapolis

So whether you’re wearing those patriotic navy blues and whites as you’re strolling through the grounds of the Naval Academy in Annapolis, or you’re in Southern Florida wearing those pastels and whites, remember – it’s all about style!

Shop the Annapolis Collection now at www.bonnieroseman.com

Always remember my Three Golden Rules to Dress By:

1. Build Your Wardrobe with classic pieces.
2. Liven Your Wardrobe with fun novelty items.
3. Tweak Your Wardrobe with touches of color.

Feel good, and look even better!

-Bonnie

Marfa, A Hidden Art Town in Texas

It’s a magical and mystical place…Marfa, Texas! It’s a small town three hours from El Paso, and about 6 hours from Austin, Texas, in the middle of a vast desert land on the border of the Great Bend National Forest.

There are only around 2,000 residents year-round, but tons of New Yorkers and Angelinos have descended upon this special place. It’s been discovered because of the amazing art foundations, installations and galleries, even a fabulous book store called the Marfa Book Company. The Donald Judd Foundation and the Chinati Foundation are too amazing for words.

Chinati Foundation, Marfa, Texas

Outside of town is a Prada store! Not really…It’s a Prada Marfa store! A total replica in actual size of a real Prada store. However, it’s just an art installation, life-size – it’s such a hoot! Oddly enough, even in this little town, there are more sophisticated restaurants than you can count on two hands, and a delicious grocery store called The Get Go.

Two fabulous Marfa places to see

A private Mexican-style hacienda turned into a hotel is full of treasures! The historical Hotel Paisano: when you step into the lobby, you’ll see an array of memorabilia. You can even see original photos of Rock Hudson, James Dean, and Elizabeth Taylor, taken while they filmed the movie Giant in this little town.

I stayed at The Paisano while touring Texas with my BLT Collection

If you’re lucky enough you might even get to see the Marfa Mystery Lights! It’s a special atmospheric happening in the desert sky.

Marfa Mystery Lights will put a twinkle in your eye

If you do have the time, a must is to venture out to the Cibolo Creek Ranch about 30 miles out of town. It is an old fort built around the same time as The Alamo and has been restored by a wealthy Houstonian and turned into a very exclusive resort. I had the pleasure of staying there. While you’re on the property, you can enjoy amazing views of the Rio Grande and Mexico. On the ground there are magnificant crystal formations everywhere!

Cibolo Creek Ranch near Marfa, Texas
Because Marfa borders the Great Bend National Forest, it’s been found to be the darkest night sky in the country. For you star-gazers, it is absolutely breathtaking on a clear night.
It is a place that you do not want to miss.

 

A starry night in Marfa, Texas by Rocketland Photography

So whether you’re wearing those flannel shirts, cowboy boots, leather jackets and sweaters in Marfa, Texas, or wearing those lightweight linens and those cottons down in Southern Florida, it’s all about style.

The Marfa Texas look from Bonnie Roseman’s BLT

Always remember my Three Golden Rules to Dress By:

1. Build Your Wardrobe with classic pieces.
2. Liven Your Wardrobe with fun novelty items.
3. Tweak Your Wardrobe with touches of color.

Feel good, and look even better!

-Bonnie

Harbourside Happenings: Exploring Boston

Boston. An amazing city and center of New England cultural life. If you’re not heading for the Cape, then this historical city has some wonderful free events that are happening this summer that should prove to be fun for the entire family.

Shakespeare on the Common is free for all! Romeo and Juliet is this season’s pick.

Catch Shakespeare in the park, a perfect night out.

You can picnic and have an outdoor movie and wine at the Boston Harbor. It’s a great way to impress your date – check for listings in the local paper.

Table for two? Great date night idea…

Sounds are sweet this summer, especially on the Charles River Esplanade. The Boston Landmarks Orchestra performs at the DCR Hatch Memorial Shell! Check for further information in the local paper.

The sounds of summer.

For a bit of excitement, fly down the Zip Line! It extends 220 feet, it’s 30 feet above the ground, and witness views you’ve never seen in Boston before. Don’t miss it!

A bird’s eye view of Boston.

The SoWa Open Market features artisans, musicians, chefs and more. It’s on Saturdays and Sundays, and in addition to the farmer’s market and Food Truck Bazaar, there is also a brand new beer garden. It’s open until October 15th. This is Barbara Lynch’s newest adventure and not to be missed.

SoWa Market and food trucks. Give you taste buds a treat!

There are all so many special festivals in Boston in the summertime. Make sure you don’t miss the Boston Seafood Festival on August 13th – yum yum!

Try the clam chowder!

So whether you’re strolling along the harbor-side in Boston wearing those cashmere sweaters, or you’re seaside along the Palm Beaches wearing those lightweight linens, remember that it’s all about style.

The Boston Collection, from Bonnie Roseman’s BLT. Email bonnie@bonnieroseman.com to schedule your showing.

Always remember my Three Golden Rules to Dress By:

1. Build Your Wardrobe with classic pieces.
2. Liven Your Wardrobe with fun novelty items.
3. Tweak Your Wardrobe with touches of color.

Feel good, and look even better!

-Bonnie